We will go to the northern region of Catalonia – Girona, bordering France and being one of the most beautiful regions of Spain, it is about 1.5 hours drive from Barcelona. Girona is a charming, perfectly preserved ancient city, founded at the crossroads of European trade routes back in Roman times. The Girona Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Mary is unique in its innovative architectural solution of the Gothic era: inside there is only one nave, the widest of all existing ones. Inside – like a treasure box – priceless examples of the skill of architects, sculptors, jewelers, and even the chair of the Frankish emperor Charlemagne.
Girona: History and Architecture
Girona is famous for its unique medieval Jewish quarter El Call, the Arab baths, numerous temples and monasteries, secular palaces and university buildings, and the city is also famous for its delicious pastries and excellent coffee in the many cafes on the shady Rambla.
Figueres and Salvador Dalí
Continuing the excursion, we will go to the city of Figueres (40 min.), located very close to the border with France, in one of the most picturesque areas of northern Catalonia, called Alt Empordà. Figueres is the hometown of Salvador Dali, and it is there that his unique Theater-Museum is located. The genius Dali foresaw everything and decided himself what his museum should be like! Of course, it is unlike any other! The building itself, the exposition is a huge surrealistic performance, and everyone who gets there becomes both its participants and spectators. Paintings, compositions, sculptures, tapestries, drawings will allow you to admire again and again the brilliant artistic gift, the greatest originality and versatility of Dali’s personality. A unique collection of jewelry is exhibited in a separate room!
The Dalí Theatre-Museum
The Salvador Dalí Theatre Museum in Figueres is one of the most visited museums in Spain. The advantage of visiting the museum WITHOUT LINE (if you are accompanied by an official guide) is difficult to overestimate! A licensed guide enters for free upon presentation of his/her ID.
Optional Visit to Gala’s Castle in Púbol
Alternatively, visit the Salvador Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, combined with a tour of the castle of his wife, Gala, in the small Catalan village of Pubol: a romantic Italian-style garden, private apartments, cars, dresses made by the best French fashion designers, photographs, a whole history of her love and life.
Dalí’s wife and muse was of Russian origin – her real name was Elena. This castle is Dalí’s gift to his muse.
Excursion Duration
Duration: 8 hours.